When it comes to the holidays, we say go big or go home: Six major parties between now and New Year’s. But each year before it all begins, I start fantasizing about tossing in the towel and taking off for an eco travel vacation in some distant land.

This summer, my husband and I were lucky enough to pursue eco travel in the Guillones Beach region of Nosara, Costa Rica for a week, and I’m dying to go back with my kids.